NOVEMBER 2024 VIEW AS WEBPAGE

JANICE HIGGINS

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello Craig,

As we each reflect on the countless memories shared during our YMCA careers, we are often reminded of the lasting bonds created with our colleagues and the many programs and experiences we shared. We are excited to continue building these connections through YMCA Alumni and look forward to many more moments of camaraderie and fun in the years ahead.

Enjoy reading this season’s newsletter, which describes highlights from our Tri- Chapter YMCA Alumni retreat at Silver Bay on Lake George in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, our upcoming annual membership join/renewal campaign, and an update on our National Service Project.

Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend our next chapter gathering, which will celebrate the upcoming holiday season on Wed., Dec. 11, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westfield Area YMCA. We look forward to providing you additional opportunities to stay connected with old friends and meet new ones.

Janice Higgins, President

McBurney-Morse YMCA Alumni Chapter

Look for your membership packet in your snail mailbox. It contains "renew-by-mail" details and a return envelope.

RENEW ONLINE

REFLECTIONS:

SILVER BAY 2024

It was another great YMCA Alumni group gathering at Silver Bay. The camaraderie — seeing old friends and meeting new ones —was the best part of the event. From boat rides on Lake George to playing golf, dining at Ticonderoga Golf Course, and visiting the fort, the agenda kept us moving but also allowed time to sit, talk, and take in the glorious views of Lake George.

THE POINT OF INSPIRATION

Meeting on the Inn's front porch, our 15 adventurous souls departed on a short trek into the wilderness we share with woodland creatures in search of a remarkable glacier stream that included views of the close Vermont Mountains. For sure, we walked along in active conversation, announcing our presence to any wildlife, such as delayed rattlesnakes sojourning back to their historic winter dens.

We were rewarded on the summit of Inspiration Point with benches for travelers to absorb the view, rapidly snapping pictures of fellow hikers, snacks being passed, and conversations that never seemed to end.

You, too, need to join us for our next hike into the woods that restores the soul from past challenges while preparing us for our continued journey.

--Mark Rutkowski

STEPPING BACK IN TIME

We had a perfect day visiting the restored Fort Ticonderoga. This northern promontory along the major 17th century highway from New York City to Quebec was a strategic position for the British in their pursuit of dominance in North America.

With stunning views, we quickly recognized the importance of the fort. Our admission fee included a second day’s visit with two short lectures highlighting the importance of this fort, period staff enactors discussing their work, and a token for a car stop to Mount Independence on our return to Silver Bay. Your day at the fort would not be complete without a visit to the fort’s gardens that include herbs, period food and flowers. --Mark Rutkowski

THE JERUSALEM Y WITH LEN WILSON

Len Wilson provided background on his career opportunity to provide leadership for the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY). The offer came at a time when the revered General Director, Rizek Abusharr, was retiring, and the existing Field and MRC consulting division of Y-USA was being phased out.

Len and Joyce spent nearly five years in Jerusalem, a tumultuous time right after 9/11. Their descriptions of events and life in Jerusalem led to discussions.

The current times are even more tumultuous, and lively input ensued examining how the U.S. should react to the political posturing by both sides of the Gaza and Lebanese conflicts.

Materials and messages directly from JIY’s current and inspiring leader, Fadi Suidan, subsequent materials directly from JIY’s Annual Report, and a request for funding considerations of JIY’s Christmas Party for orphans are available for those seeking current information.

It is planned that more retirees will be allowed to share meaningful information and learnings gleaned from their careers or interests as part of our annual Silver Bay Tri-Chapter experience.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO LEFT US

On our final evening at Silver Bay, we gathered at the historic boathouse overlooking the lake for a Memorial Service, remembering YMCA retirees from the three chapters who passed away over the past year. (Photo right: Retired Silver Bay Chaplain and McBurney-Morse Chapter member Bruce Tamlyn leads the service.)

The service began with a prayer and reading of John 14:1-14 and the 23rd Psalm. The centerpiece of the service was reviewing the names of those who had left us. More than 200 names were on the list.

Several members offered a memory, a touching story, or a contribution made by those who had passed. This sharing lasted 45 minutes. Our three chapter presidents, Karen Leslie (New England), Len Wilson (Central Atlantic), and Janice Higgins (McBurney-Morse), thoughtfully reflected on this part of the service. We closed by singing Amazing Grace.

The opportunity to remember and honor those who had contributed much of their lives to the YMCA movement became a sacred moment and a blessing for us all.